Jury selection beginning in Apple-Samsung patent-infringement case

SAN JOSE, California--The world's two leading smartphone makers were back in federal court on Monday, accusing each other of stealing ideas and features.

The trial in Silicon Valley, which got underway with jury selection, marks the latest round in a long-running series of lawsuits between Apple Inc. and Samsung.

If Apple prevails in the current case, the cost to Samsung could reach US$2 billion. Apple's costs, if it loses the litigation, were expected to be about US$6 million.

Whatever the outcome, it could be the consumer who ends up paying the ultimate price. Experts say the litigation could lead to more expensive smartphones and devices and slow the overall pace of mobile innovation.